KR20210134921A - Induction heating aerosol-forming rods and forming devices for use in the manufacture of such rods - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an induction heating aerosol-forming rod for use in an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming rod includes at least one cylindrical core comprising at least one of a first aerosol-forming substrate and a first flavor material. The aerosol-forming rod further comprises a first elongate susceptor laterally abutting the cylindrical core portion along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod on the first side. The aerosol-forming rod may also be lateral to the cylindrical core portion along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod at a second side opposite the first side such that the cylindrical core portion is sandwiched between the first elongate susceptor and the second elongate susceptor. and a second elongate susceptor bordered by The aerosol-forming rod also includes a core portion, a first susceptor, and a sleeve portion arranged around the second susceptor, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one of a filler material, a second aerosol-forming substrate, and a second flavor material. do. The invention further relates to a forming apparatus for use in the manufacture of such an induction heating aerosol-forming rod, wherein the forming apparatus comprises a core forming apparatus, a sleeve forming apparatus, a first longitudinal guide, and a second longitudinal guide. do.

Description

Induction heating aerosol-forming rods and forming devices for use in the manufacture of such rods

The present invention relates to an induction heating aerosol-forming rod comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate capable of forming an inhalable aerosol when heated. The invention also relates to a shaping device for use in the manufacture of such an induction heating aerosol-forming rod.

It is generally known from the prior art to generate an inhalable aerosol based on induction heating of an aerosol-forming substrate. For heating, the substrate may be arranged in thermal proximity with a susceptor that is inductively heated by an alternating electromagnetic field or may be in direct physical contact with the susceptor. The alternating electromagnetic field may be provided by an induction source that is part of the aerosol-generating device. Both the susceptor and the aerosol-forming substrate can be assembled into an induction heated aerosol-forming rod. Among other elements, the rod may be an integral part of a rod-shaped aerosol-forming article that may be received within a cylindrical receiving cavity of an aerosol-generating device comprising a guide source. The device may include, for example, as part of an induction source, a helical induction coil coaxially surrounding the cylindrical receiving cavity to provide an alternating electromagnetic field within the cavity to heat the susceptor, for example. Upon activation of the device, volatile compounds are released from the heated aerosol-forming substrate within the article and are entrained in the airflow drawn through the article while the user puffs. The released compound condenses as it cools to form an aerosol.

It would be desirable to have an induction heated aerosol-forming rod for use in aerosol-generating articles that provide a wide variety of different aerosols. It would be desirable for such an induction heating aerosol-forming rod to be compatible with existing induction heating devices comprising a cylindrical receiving cavity. It would also be desirable to have a shaping device for use in the manufacture of such aerosol-forming rods.

According to the present invention, there is provided an induction heating aerosol-forming rod for use in an aerosol-generating article. The aerosol-forming rod includes at least one cylindrical core comprising at least one of a first aerosol-forming substrate and a first flavor material. The aerosol-forming rod further comprises a first elongate susceptor laterally abutting the cylindrical core portion along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod on the first side. The aerosol-forming rod may also be lateral to the cylindrical core portion along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod at a second side opposite the first side such that the cylindrical core portion is sandwiched between the first elongate susceptor and the second elongate susceptor. and a second elongate susceptor bordered by The aerosol-forming rod also includes a core portion, a first susceptor, and a sleeve portion arranged around the second susceptor, wherein the sleeve comprises at least one of a filler material, a second aerosol-forming substrate, and a second flavor material. do.

Having at least two different parts within the induction heating aerosol-forming rod, namely the sleeve part and the core part, makes it possible to advantageously increase the variety of aerosols that can be produced by using different parts for different purposes. One purpose is to provide one or more specific sensory stimuli (e.g., to provide a specific flavor, to provide a specific tobacco note, to provide nicotine, or to provide a stimulation by enhancing the visibility of aerosolization). can be provided). This effect can be achieved by appropriate selection of the sensory medium of the sleeve portion and the core portion, for example by appropriate selection of the first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate. For example, the first sensory medium may be, for example, a homogenised tobacco, such as a tobacco cast leaf to provide a tobacco content, while the second sensory medium may form an aerosol to produce a large aerosol volume and additional flavoring ingredients. It may be liquid. Other specific stimuli may relate, for example, to specific resistance to aspiration or to specific tactile effects known from conventional tobacco products. This effect may be achieved by at least one of an appropriate selection of the geometry of the sleeve portion (eg, to provide a familiar haptic agent) and an appropriate selection of the filler material (eg, to provide a specific resistance to aspiration). can

Preferably, the core portion and the sleeve portion are separate physical bodies or entities separate from each other. That is, the core part and the sleeve part may be separate from each other. Accordingly, the core portion may be denoted as a core body, and the sleeve part may be denoted as a sleeve body. The core body and the sleeve body may be separate entities, ie separate from each other. In particular, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a core body, in particular a core body defining a core portion. Likewise, the aerosol-generating article may comprise a sleeve body, in particular a sleeve body defining a sleeve portion.

Having at least a first susceptor and a second susceptor makes it possible to advantageously provide different heating zones inside the aerosol-forming rod. The first heating zone is provided by that portion of the heating profile of the first susceptor extending along the longitudinal axis of the rod at an exterior surface of the first susceptor opposite an interior surface of the first susceptor abutting the core portion. . Likewise, the second heating zone is defined by that portion of the heating profile of the first susceptor extending along the longitudinal axis of the rod at the outer surface of the second susceptor opposite the inner surface of the second susceptor abutting the core portion. is provided A third heating zone is provided along the longitudinal axis of the rod in the region between the first and second susceptors, ie in the region overlapping the cylindrical core portion. This third heating zone arises from the overlap of these portions of the heating profile of the first and second susceptors substantially located between the first and second susceptors. Thus, the first heating zone and the second heating zone may be used to heat the sleeve portion, while the third heating zone may be used to heat the core portion. Due to the overlap of the two heating profiles, the third heating zone can achieve a higher temperature than the first heating zone and the second heating zone. Advantageously, different heating temperatures can specifically tailor the release of volatile compounds from the core part and the sleeve part. In particular, the amount of compound released can be adjusted by selecting an appropriate combination of a particular heating temperature and a particular sensory medium having a particular release temperature. Thus, different heating zones can advantageously be used to design a wide variety of different aerosols by providing different aerosols or flavoring agents in different amounts and in different portions of the aerosol-forming rod.

In addition, induction heating aerosol-generating rods according to the present invention can be used to manufacture rod-shaped aerosol-generating articles compatible with existing induction heating aerosol-generating devices comprising a cylindrical receiving cavity. Thus, the use of currently available induction heating devices can be continued. In particular, the existing induction heating device does not require any modifications.

The first elongate susceptor may laterally abut the cylindrical core portion in a non-bonding manner. Likewise, the second elongate susceptor may laterally abut the cylindrical core portion in a non-bonding manner. As used herein, the term “non-bonding abutting” refers to an arrangement of each susceptor and each susceptor relative to a cylindrical core portion to which the core portion is not secured to each other and is not permanently attached. In particular, the term “non-bonding abutting” is to be understood such that each susceptor is removably adjacent to the core portion and can be removed from the core portion in a substantially non-destructive manner. In any case, the term “non-bonding abutting” excludes configurations in which one of each susceptor or core portion is coated on each other. In particular, "abutting in a non-bonding manner" excludes a fixed or rigid bond between each susceptor and the core portion, and in particular chemical bonding or bonding caused by an adhesive is not applied to either the core portion or each susceptor. don't belong Nevertheless, having each susceptor abutting the core portion may result in some kind of non-permanent adhesion between the core portion and each susceptor, which may, for example, be due to the possible adhesive nature of the aerosol-forming substrate and Likewise, it may include some kind of non-permanent attraction between the core part and the susceptor. That is, the phrase “to border in a non-connected manner” may include “to border in a non-permanently joined manner”. Laterally abutting each susceptor to the cylindrical core portion in a non-joint manner, in particular using a forming apparatus according to the invention, involves simply disposing each susceptor along the core portion as will be described in more detail below. can be done by

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate comprising or formed from an aerosol-forming material capable of releasing volatile compounds upon heating to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate is intended to be heated rather than combusted to release the aerosol-forming volatile compound.

The aerosol-forming substrate may be a solid, paste or liquid aerosol-forming substrate. In any such state, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise both solid and liquid components.

The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the substrate upon heating.

Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material.

In this regard, the aerosol-forming substrate can be, for example, powders, granules, pellets, shoes containing one or more of herbal leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco rib pieces, reconstituted tobacco, homogenised tobacco, extruded tobacco, puffed tobacco, and combinations thereof. may include one or more of shred, spaghetti, strips or sheets.

The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise at least one aerosol former. The at least one aerosol former may be selected from polyols, glycol ethers, polyol esters, esters, and fatty acids, and may include one or more of the following compounds: glycerin, erythritol, 1,3-butylene glycol, tetra Ethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, triethyl citrate, propylene carbonate, ethyl laurate, triacetin, meso-erythritol, diacetin mixture, diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, ethyl vanyl lactate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene glycol.

Combination One or more aerosol formers may be combined to take advantage of one or more properties of the aerosol former. For example, triacetin can be combined with glycerin and water to take advantage of its ability to deliver the active ingredient and the wetting properties of glycerin.

The aerosol former may also have the properties of a humectant type to help maintain a desirable level of moisture in the aerosol-forming substrate, particularly when the substrate consists of a tobacco-based product comprising tobacco particles. In particular, some aerosol formers are hygroscopic materials that function as humectants, i.e., materials that help keep the humectant-containing tobacco substrate moist.

In particular, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one aerosol former having a weight ratio ranging from 12% to 20%, preferably from 16% to 20% and most preferably from 17% to 18% by weight of the aerosol-forming substrate. may include.

The aerosol-forming substrate may include other additives and components. The aerosol-forming substrate preferably comprises nicotine. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a flavoring agent (preferably an additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compound, which will be released upon heating of the aerosol-forming substrate). The aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules comprising, for example, additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, which capsules may melt during heating of the solid aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may include a binder.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate is an aerosol-forming tobacco substrate, ie a tobacco containing substrate. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a volatile tobacco flavor compound that is released from the substrate upon heating. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise or consist of reconstituted tobacco, such as homogenised tobacco material. The homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. In particular, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise or consist of chopped and compounded tobacco lamina. The aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise a non-tobacco-containing material, for example a non-tobacco homogenized plant-based material. Preferably, reconstituted tobacco is made in large elongation from compounded tobacco material, in particular leaf blades, processed stems and ribs, homogenized plant material, as made in sheet form, for example using casting or papermaking processes. The reconstituted tobacco may also comprise another cut, cut filler tobacco, cut filler also another cut, cut filler tobacco, binder, fibers or casing. The reconstituted tobacco may comprise at least 25% plant leaflets, more preferably at least 50% plant leaflets, even more preferably at least 75% plant leaflets, and most preferably at least 90% plant leaflets. Preferably, the plant material is one of tobacco, mint, tea and cloves. However, the plant material may also be other plant material that has the ability to release a substance upon application of heat that can subsequently form an aerosol.

Preferably, the tobacco plant material comprises lamina of one or more of bright tobacco lamina, dark tobacco, flavor tobacco and cut filler tobacco. Bright tobacco is generally a tobacco with large, pale-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term “bright tobacco” is used for flue cured tobacco. Examples of Bright Tobacco are Chinese Flue-Cured, Brazilian Xanthoma, American Xanthoma such as Virginia Tobacco, Indian Xanthoma, Tanzanian Xanthoma, or other African Xanthoma. Bright tobacco is characterized by a high sugar to nitrogen ratio. From a sensory point of view, bright cigarettes are a type of tobacco that is associated with a pungent and lively sensation after curing. As used herein, a bright tobacco is a tobacco having a reducing sugar content of from about 2.5% to about 20% by dry weight of the leaves and a total ammonia content of less than about 0.12% by dry weight of the leaves. Reducing sugars include, for example, glucose or fructose. Total ammonia includes, for example, ammonia and ammonia salts. Dark tobacco is generally a tobacco with large, dark-colored leaves. Throughout this specification, the term "dark tobacco" is used for air cured tobacco. Dark tobacco can also be fermented. Cigarettes used primarily for chewing, snuff, cigar and pipe blends also fall into this category. Typically, such dark tobacco is air dried and possibly fermented. From a sensory point of view, dark tobacco is a type of tobacco that smells like smoke after curing and is associated with dark cigar-type sensations. Dark tobacco is characterized by a low sugar to nitrogen ratio. Examples of dark tobacco include Burley Malawi or other African Burley, Dark Cured Brazil Galpao, Sun Cured or Air Dried Indonesian Casturi (Dark Cured). Indonesian Kasturi). As used herein, dark tobacco is a tobacco having a reducing sugar content of less than about 5% by dry weight of the leaves and a total ammonia content of up to about 0.5% by dry weight of the leaves. Taste cigarettes are usually small, light colored tobacco. Throughout this specification, the term "flavored tobacco" is used for other cigarettes with a high aromatic content, for example of essential oils. From a sensory point of view, a flavored tobacco is a type of tobacco that is associated with a pungent and aromatic sensation after curing. Examples of flavor cigarettes include Greek Oriental, Oriental Turkey and semi-oriental cigarettes as well as Perique, Rustica, Burley or Maryland in the United States. It's a Fire Cured, American Burley like (Meriland). Cut filler tobacco is not a specific tobacco type, but includes tobacco types that are primarily used to complement other tobacco types used in the blend and do not induce a characteristic aroma aroma in the final product. Examples of cut filler tobacco are the stems, midribs or stalks of other tobacco types. A specific example may be the heat-dried stems of the Brazilian xanthoma lower stalks.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco web, preferably a crimped web. Tobacco webs may include tobacco material, fibrous particles, binder materials and aerosol formers. Preferably, the tobacco web is a cast leaf. A cast leaf is a form of reconstituted tobacco formed from a slurry comprising tobacco particles. The cast leaf may further comprise a fiber particle or an aerosol former, or both a fiber particle and an aerosol former, and a binder and, for example, also a flavoring agent. Tobacco particles may be in the form of tobacco powder having particles on the order of 10 μm to 250 μm, preferably on the order of 20 μm to 80 μm or from 50 μm to 150 μm or from 100 μm to 250 μm, depending on the desired sheet thickness and the casting gap of the corresponding casting box. The casting gap affects the thickness of the sheet. Fiber particles may comprise tobacco stem material, stalks or other tobacco plant material, and other cellulosic fibers such as plant fibers, preferably wood fibers or flax fibers or hemp fibers. The fiber particles may be selected based on the desire to obtain sufficient tensile strength for the cast leaf versus a low content, for example about 2% to 15%. Alternatively, fibers such as plant fibers may be used with the fiber particles, or alternatively, including hemp and bamboo or a combination of various fiber types. The aerosol former included in the slurry forming the cast leaf or used in other aerosol-forming tobacco substrates may be selected based on one or more characteristics. Functionally, the aerosol former provides a mechanism to volatilize and deliver nicotine or flavor or both in the aerosol when heated above a certain volatilization temperature of the aerosol former. Different aerosol formers are usually vaporized at different temperatures. The aerosol former may be any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that, in use, facilitates the formation of a stable aerosol. A stable aerosol is substantially resistant to thermal degradation at operating temperatures for heating the aerosol-generating substrate. Aerosol formers are selected based on their ability to remain stable, for example at or near room temperature, but volatilize at higher temperatures, for example between 40°C and 450°C, preferably between 40°C and 250°C. can be

A rolled tobacco sheet, for example a cast leaf, may have a thickness in the range of from about 0.02 mm to about 0.5 mm, preferably from about 0.08 mm to about 0.2 mm.

Preferably, in any configuration, the core part is always used for aerosol generation. The core portion may include at least one of the following:

- A porous substrate or foam based on tobacco fibers, wherein the tobacco fibers at least partially form a first aerosol-forming substrate;

- A porous substrate or foam based on vegetable fibers, wherein the vegetable fibers at least partially form a first aerosol-forming substrate;

- A filler comprising chopped tobacco material, wherein the chopped tobacco material at least partially forms a first aerosol-forming substrate;

- A filler comprising chopped vegetable material, wherein the chopped vegetable material at least partially forms a first aerosol-forming substrate;

- A liquid retention material comprising an aerosol-forming liquid, comprising: a liquid retention material that at least partially forms a first aerosol-forming substrate;

- a liquid holding material comprising at least one flavor material, wherein the flavor material at least partially forms a first flavor material;

- A cellulosic fiber or cellulosic fiber comprising at least one flavor material, wherein the flavor material at least partially forms a first flavor material.

In principle, the sleeve part may comprise the same material composition as described above. Accordingly, the sleeve portion may include at least one of:

- A porous substrate or foam based on tobacco fibers, wherein the tobacco fibers at least partially form a second aerosol-forming substrate;

- A porous substrate or foam based on vegetable fibers, wherein the vegetable fibers at least partially form a second aerosol-forming substrate;

A filler comprising chopped tobacco material, wherein the chopped tobacco material at least partially forms a second aerosol-forming substrate;

- A filler comprising chopped vegetable material, wherein the chopped vegetable material at least partially forms a second aerosol-forming substrate;

- a liquid retention material comprising an aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the aerosol-forming liquid at least partially forms a second aerosol-forming substrate;

- a liquid holding material comprising at least one flavor material, wherein the flavor material at least partially forms a second flavor material;

- cellulosic fibers or cellulosic fibers;

cellulosic fibers or cellulosic fibers comprising a flavor material, wherein the flavor material at least partially forms a second flavor material;

- acetate tow swelling fiber;

- vegetable swelling fiber; or

- Paper.

As used herein, the term 'liquid retention material' refers to a high retention or high release material (HRM) for storing liquid. The liquid holding material is essentially configured to retain at least a portion of the liquid, which is not available for aerosolization before eventually leaving the holding. Using a liquid retention material reduces the risk of spillage in the event of failure or cracking of the aerosol-generating article due to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate being securely held in the retention material. Advantageously, this allows the aerosol-forming rod to leak proof.

As used herein, chopped tobacco material may comprise a shred of at least one of tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco, a shred of tobacco ribs, or a shred of tobacco stems. Likewise, the chopped vegetable material may comprise at least one shred of vegetable lamina, a shred of vegetable ribs or a shred of vegetable stem.

By way of example, at least one of the sleeve portion and the core portion may comprise a porous substrate, such as a porous reconstituted tobacco material. In addition, the porous substrate may include glycerin, guar, water, tobacco fiber, cellulose fiber, as well as flavoring agents and nicotine of natural or artificial origin. The porous substrate may initially be provided as a thin sheet material, and may finally be formed in the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve portion or the core portion, as will be described in detail below with respect to the molding apparatus according to the present invention. Preferably, the sheet material is pressed or folded, or both pressed and folded. The amount and density of sheet material entering the forming apparatus may be selected, for example, to result in a core portion or sleeve portion having a certain resistance to suction.

As another example, at least one of the sleeve portion and the core portion may comprise a porous foam produced from fibers and materials of natural origin, such as fibers and materials derived from plants or vegetables. The foam may comprise tobacco or tobacco material, or alternatively may be tobacco-free. The porous foam may include nicotine in its original formulation. The porous foam may in particular be impregnated or immersed with an aerosol-forming liquid. The aerosol-forming liquid may comprise at least one of nicotine or at least one of a flavoring substance.

As another example, at least one of the sleeve portion and the core portion may include a cast leaf material that is compressed and gathered into the shape of the sleeve portion or the core portion, respectively.

As another example, the sleeve portion may include a low porosity material comprising at least one of acetate tow expanded fibers, vegetable expanded fibers, and cellulosic fibers. The fibers may be oriented substantially in one direction, particularly in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. In an aerosol-forming rod, the fibers may be compressed prior to forming the fibers into an aerosol-forming rod, but preferably up to 80% of the volume of the fiber, in particular up to 90% of the volume. In this low compression configuration, the sleeve portion has a low resistance to suction and has substantially no filtering capability. Consequently, the sleeve portion can advantageously be used to influence the airflow generated by the negative pressure applied to the aerosol-generating article and the volatile compound is emitted from the core portion. Preferably, in this configuration, the sleeve portion does not comprise any aerosol-forming substrate. In particular, the sleeve portion does not comprise any tobacco or tobacco material. Thus, the aerosol formation is concentrated by the aerosol-forming substrate in the core portion. Nevertheless, the sleeve portion may include flavoring substances that may be vaporized by the susceptor and entrained into the airflow.

With regard to improving the diversity of aerosols that can be generated, the second aerosol-forming substrate is preferably different from the first aerosol-forming substrate. The first aerosol-forming substrate and the second aerosol-forming substrate may differ from each other, for example in at least one of content, composition, flavor and texture. For example, the first aerosol-forming substrate may comprise compressed cast leaves and the second aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a porous substrate or tobacco fibers in foam form.

Likewise, the second flavor material is preferably different from the first flavor material. The first flavor material and the second flavor material may differ from each other, for example, in at least one of content, composition, flavor and texture.

In general, the cross-section of the cylindrical core portion as seen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod may have any shape. Preferably, the cylindrical core part has a rectangular or secondary cross-section. Preferably, these cross-sectional shapes have at least one substantially straight edge. Thus, the cylindrical core has a flat surface, in particular a flat surface that can be used as a contact surface which the susceptor abuts laterally. Advantageously, this improves the efficiency of heat transfer from the susceptor to the core portion. This holds in particular if the susceptor comprises a corresponding flat surface abutting the flat surface of the core part as a counterpart.

The cylindrical core portion may also have a triangular or star-shaped or oval or oval or circular or polygonal or semi-oval or semi-oval or semi-circular cross-section. Where the cross-section of the core portion includes one or more curved edge portions abutted by either the first susceptor or the second susceptor, each susceptor also includes a core portion to maximize the contact surface between the core portion and the respective susceptor. It may be curved in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod corresponding to the curved edge portion of the negative cross-sectional shape.

The cross-section of the core portion is preferably substantially constant along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod within manufacturing tolerances. However, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to have a discontinuous cylindrical core, particularly with a discontinuous susceptor. This in turn makes it possible to cut the continuously formed aerosol-forming rod strands into individual aerosol-forming rods without the need to cut through the susceptor (more on this below).

Preferably, the cylindrical core portion is strip-shaped. The strip-shaped core not only provides the advantage of a flat contact surface for the susceptor as described above, but can also be advantageous with respect to simple fabrication by a continuous rod forming process. As used herein, the term 'strip-shaped core portion' refers to a cylindrical core portion having both a length extension and a width extension greater than the thickness extension of the element. Preferably, the length extension is also greater than the width extension. In the case of a strip-shaped core part, the susceptors each preferably abut a large face of the core part. Advantageously, this improves the heating efficiency. Preferably, the strip-shaped core portion has a rectangular cross-section. The strip-shaped core may also have a curved rectangular cross-section, wherein the large face of each susceptor is curved.

As used herein, the term 'susceptor' refers to an element comprising a material that can be inductively heated in an alternating electromagnetic field. This may be the result of at least one of hysteresis losses and eddy currents induced in the susceptor, depending on the electrical and magnetic properties of the susceptor material. Hysteresis losses occur in ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic susceptors due to the magnetic domains in the material being switched under the influence of alternating electromagnetic fields. Eddy currents can be induced if the susceptor is electrically conductive. In the case of electrically conductive ferromagnetic susceptors or electrically conductive ferromagnetic susceptors, heat can be generated due to both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Accordingly, the susceptor may comprise a material that is at least one of electrically conductive and magnetic.

The first susceptor and the second susceptor may be formed of any material capable of induction heating to a temperature sufficient to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate. Preferred susceptors include metal or carbon. A preferred susceptor may comprise or consist of a ferromagnetic material, for example a ferromagnetic alloy, ferritic iron or ferromagnetic steel or stainless steel. Suitable susceptors may include or consist of aluminum. Preferred susceptors may be heated to a temperature of from about 40 °C to about 500 °C, particularly from about 50 °C to about 450 °C, preferably from about 100 °C to about 400 °C. The susceptor may also include a non-metallic core with a metal track formed on the surface of a metal layer disposed on the non-metallic core, for example a ceramic core.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may comprise a protective outer layer, for example a protective ceramic layer or a protective glass layer encapsulating each susceptor. At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may include a protective coating layer formed by glass, ceramic, or an inert metal formed on the core of the susceptor material.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may be a multi-material susceptor. In particular, each multi-material susceptor may include a first susceptor material and a second susceptor material. The first susceptor material is optimized with respect to heat loss and hence heating efficiency. For example, the first susceptor material may be aluminum, or it may be a material containing iron, such as stainless steel. In contrast, the second susceptor material is preferably used as a temperature marker. To this end, the second susceptor material is selected to have a Curie temperature corresponding to a predefined heating temperature of the susceptor assembly. At its Curie temperature, the magnetic properties of the second susceptor change from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic, accompanied by a temporary change in electrical resistance. Thus, by monitoring the corresponding change in the current absorbed by the induction source, it can be detected when the second susceptor material has reached its Curie temperature and thus a predefined heating temperature has been reached. It is preferred that the second susceptor material has a Curie temperature below the flash point of the aerosol-forming substrate, ie lower than 500°C. Suitable materials for the second susceptor material may include nickel and certain nickel alloys. Nickel has a Curie temperature in the range of about 354°C to 360°C, depending on the nature of the impurity. A Curie temperature in this range is ideal because it is approximately equal to the temperature at which each susceptor must be heated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, but low enough to avoid local overheating or burning of the aerosol-forming substrate.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may be in the form of a pin, rod, filament, or strip. Preferably, the susceptor is strip or strip shaped. A susceptor strip or strip-shaped susceptor element can be advantageous because it can be easily manufactured at low cost.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may be in the form of a pin, rod, filament, or strip. Preferably, at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor is in the shape of a strip or strip. The susceptor strip is advantageous because it can be easily manufactured at low cost.

As used herein, the terms ‘strip shape’ and “strip” refer to an element having both a length extension and a width extension greater than the thickness extension of the element. Preferably, the length extension is also greater than the width extension. In particular, the susceptor strip may be a susceptor blade, a susceptor plate, a susceptor sheet, a susceptor band, or a susceptor foil.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may have a rectangular or rectangular or semi-oval or semi-oval or semi-circular cross-section when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. Preferably, the cross-section of each susceptor has at least one edge portion corresponding to an edge portion of the cross-section of the core portion which each susceptor may abut. Thus, a contact surface is realized between each susceptor and a sufficiently large core part with respect to improved heat transfer.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may also have a triangular or polygonal or oval or oval or circular cross-section.

If at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor has the form of a strip, in particular a blade, plate, sheet, band, or foil, each susceptor preferably has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Preferably, each susceptor has a width dimension greater than the thickness dimension, for example a width dimension greater than twice the thickness dimension. Advantageously, each strip-shaped susceptor profile preferably has a width of about 2 mm to about 8 mm, more preferably about 3 mm to about 5 mm, and preferably about 0.03 mm to about 0.15 mm, more preferably about It has a thickness of 0.05 mm to about 0.09 mm. The length of the susceptor strip can be, for example, in the range from 8 mm to 16 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 14 mm, or preferably 12 mm.

In the case of a strip-shaped susceptor, each susceptor is preferably arranged such that the large side of the susceptor abuts the core part, in particular the large side of the core part in the case of a strip-shaped core part. Advantageously, this improves the heating efficiency.

When semicircular in cross-section, the susceptor preferably has a width or radius of from about 0.5 mm to about 2.5 mm.

Preferably, at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor is morphologically stable. This is such that each susceptor remains substantially undeformed during manufacture of the aerosol-forming rod, or each susceptor returns to its intended shape when the strain is removed. Any deformation of the scepter means that it remains elastic. To this end, the shape and material of each susceptor can be selected to ensure sufficient shape stability. Advantageously, this ensures that the originally desired cross-sectional profile is preserved throughout the manufacture of the aerosol-forming rod. High dimensional stability reduces variability in product performance. As will be described in further detail below and with respect to the molding device according to the invention, the molding device is configured to remain substantially undeformed after each susceptor has passed through the molding device. This preferably means that any strain on each susceptor necessary to form the continuous rod remains elastic, so that when the strain is removed, each susceptor returns to its intended shape.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may have a constant cross-section along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. Alternatively, the cross-section of at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may vary along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. For example, where at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor has the form of a strip, at least one of a width dimension and a thickness dimension of each susceptor may vary along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod.

Preferably, the length dimension of at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor corresponds substantially to a length dimension of the aerosol-forming rod measured along a longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. The length dimension of at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may be, for example, in the range from 8 mm to 16 mm, in particular from 10 mm to 14 mm, or preferably 12 mm. Further, the susceptor may have a length dimension equal to the length dimension of at least one of the core portion and the sleeve portion, leading to heating of the core portion and the sleeve portion respectively along the length extension portions of the core portion and the sleeve portion. However, as described above, at least one of the first discontinuous susceptor and the second discontinuous susceptor, ie at least one of the first and second susceptors, wherein the length dimension of each susceptor is smaller than the length dimension of the aerosol-forming rod. It may be advantageous to have one.

At least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor may include an expanded metal sheet having a plurality of openings formed therethrough. As used herein, the term “expanded metal sheet” refers to a type of metal sheet in which a plurality of brittle regions, specifically a plurality of perforations, have been created, after which a plurality of brittle regions, specifically a plurality of brittle regions, have been formed. Refers to a type of metal sheet stretched to form a regular pattern from the perforations of

Using a susceptor comprising an expanded metal sheet provides a number of advantages over other types of sheet-like susceptors. First, the proportional ratio between the heat dissipation surface and the total mass of a susceptor comprising an expanded metal sheet is improved compared to a susceptor comprising a metal sheet without any openings. Advantageously, this helps to save resources for the manufacture of the article. Also, a reduction in mass per unit area can be beneficial with respect to a reduction in the total mass of the article. Second, certain manufacturing processes of expanded metal sheets do not waste material. Third, due to the opening, the susceptor of an article according to the present invention is permeable, thereby enhancing the airflow drawn through the article as compared to an article comprising an impermeable susceptor. The openings in the susceptor also facilitate the release of volatiles from the heated aerosol-forming substrate and entrainment into the airflow. Advantageously, both aspects facilitate aerosol formation. Fourth, openings in the expanded metal sheet may be filled with an aerosol-forming substrate during manufacture of the rod. Advantageously, this may help secure the susceptor within the aerosol-forming rod. As a result, the positioning accuracy and stability of the susceptor within the aerosol-forming rod is significantly improved.

As used herein, the term “opening” is to be understood as an opening extending through the entire expanded sheet material from one flat side of the expanded sheet material to the opposite flat side along the thickness extension of the expanded sheet material. do. Likewise, the term “perforation” should be understood as a perforation extending through the entire sheet material from one flat side of the sheet material to the opposite flat side along the thickness extension of the sheet material. The term “brittle region” refers to a region of a metal sheet having a reduced material thickness in a direction perpendicular to the major surface of the metal sheet, ie along a thickness extension of the metal. The reduction in material thickness causes, when stretching the brittle metal sheet, that the brittle region deforms into an opening through the entire expanded sheet material along the thickness extension of the metal sheet. Also, the term “opening” may include two types of openings: openings with closed boundaries as well as openings with partially open boundaries. An opening having a closed boundary completely borders the material of the expanded metal sheet along the perimeter of the opening. In contrast, an opening having a partially open boundary only partially bounds the material of the expanded metal sheet along the perimeter of the opening. One or more openings with partially open boundaries, if present, are located at the side edges of the expanded metal sheet. That is, these openings open laterally toward the side edges of the expanded metal sheet. If there are one or more openings with partially open boundaries, they may be made from perforations created in the metal sheet by extending beyond the brittle areas, specifically the side edges of the metal sheet, and then stretching. Accordingly, the expanded metal sheet may include one of: a plurality of openings having closed boundaries; a plurality of openings having a partially open boundary; or one or more openings having a closed boundary as well as one or more openings having a partially open boundary as well. The plurality of openings may be arranged in a periodic pattern, specifically, in a periodic offset pattern. In particular, in an offset arrangement, the plurality of openings may be arranged in a plurality of rows along a first direction, each row extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and including one or more openings, each row having one or more openings within one row. The one or more openings are offset relative to the one or more openings in each neighboring row.

Preferably, the first susceptor and the second susceptor as well as the core portion are strip-shaped. In particular, the wide side of each strip-shaped susceptor may abut the wide side of the strip-shaped core portion. Advantageously, in this configuration, the cross-sectional shape of the core portion largely overlaps the cross-sectional heating region of each strip-shaped susceptor, which makes heating of the core portion more efficient. Even more preferably, at least one of the width dimension and the length dimension of at least one of the first strip-shaped susceptor and the second strip-shaped susceptor is the same as the width dimension or the length dimension of the strip-shaped core portion, respectively. Such an arrangement may also be advantageous for efficient heating of the core portion. It is also possible that at least one of the width dimension and the length dimension of at least one of the first strip-shaped susceptor and the second strip-shaped susceptor is smaller than the width dimension or the length dimension of the strip-shaped core portion, respectively. This can help save on susceptor material. Alternatively, it is also possible that at least one of the width dimension and the length dimension of at least one of the first strip-shaped susceptor and the second strip-shaped susceptor is larger than the width dimension or the length dimension of the strip-shaped core portion, respectively. This can help increase the heating rate.

The core portion may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the aerosol-forming rod. That is, the central longitudinal axis of the cylindrical core is arranged coaxially with the central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. Likewise, the first susceptor and the second susceptor may have the same dimensions and may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the aerosol-forming rod. Either of these arrangements may be advantageous for well balancing the mass distribution of the aerosol-forming rod.

The sleeve portion preferably surrounds the core portion, the first susceptor, and the second susceptor along the entire perimeter of the aerosol-forming rod. Likewise, the sleeve portion is preferably along the overall length dimension of at least one of the core portion, the first susceptor, and the second susceptor, preferably all of the elements, the core portion, the first susceptor, and the second susceptor. arranged along the overall length dimension. Accordingly, the sleeve portion can be uniformly heated by the susceptor.

In general, when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod, the cross-section of the sleeve portion may have any suitable shape. Preferably, the sleeve portion has a rectangular or square or oval or circular cross-section or has a triangular or other polygonal outer cross-section. The inner cross-section is preferably adapted to the outer cross-sectional profile of the assembly of the core portion, the first susceptor and the second susceptor, all of which abut the core portion.

Preferably, the sleeve part surrounds the first susceptor, the second susceptor and the core part, for example to form or fill, in particular completely fill, the cylindrical shape of the aerosol-forming rod. Accordingly, the outer cross-section of the sleeve portion preferably defines the outer cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming rod.

Preferably, the aerosol-forming rod has a circular or oval or oval outer cross-section. However, the aerosol-forming rod may have a square or rectangular or triangular or other polygonal cross section. In particular, the outer cross-sectional shape of the sleeve portion may define the outer cross-sectional shape of the aerosol-forming rod.

According to the present invention, there is also provided an induction heating aerosol-generating article for use with an induction heating aerosol-generating device, wherein the article comprises an aerosol-generating rod according to the present invention and as described herein.

As used herein, the term 'aerosol-generating article' refers to an article comprising at least one aerosol-forming substrate for use with an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating article may be intended for single use. The aerosol-generating article may be a tobacco article. In particular, the article may be a rod-shaped article resembling a conventional cigarette.

In addition to the aerosol-forming rod, the article may further comprise different elements, such as: a support element having a central air passage, an aerosol cooling element, and a filter element. Any one or any combination of these elements may be arranged sequentially relative to the aerosol-forming rod segment. Preferably, the aerosol-forming rod is arranged at the distal end of the article. Likewise, the filter element is preferably arranged at the proximal end of the article. In addition, these elements may have the same external cross-section as the aerosol-forming rod segment.

The filter element preferably serves as a mouthpiece or, together with an aerosol cooling element, serves as part of the mouthpiece. As used herein, the term “mouthpiece” refers to the portion of the article through which the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article. The filter element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The filter element may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 10 mm, for example 6 mm to 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has an outer diameter of 7.2 mm +/- 10%, preferably +/- 5%. The filter element may have a length between 5 mm and 25 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 17 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the filter element has a length of 12 mm or 14 mm. In another preferred embodiment, the filter element has a length of 7 mm.

The support element may be located immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming rod. The support element may abut the aerosol-forming rod. The support element may be formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the support element may include cellulose acetate; cardboard; crimped paper, such as crimped heat-resistant paper or crimped parchment paper; and polymeric materials, such as low density polyethylene (LDPE). In a preferred embodiment, the support element is formed of cellulose acetate. The support element may comprise a hollow tubular element. In a preferred embodiment, the support element comprises a hollow cellulose acetate tube.

The support element preferably has an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of the aerosol-generating article. The support element may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 12 mm, for example 5 mm to 10 mm or 6 mm to 8 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has an outer diameter of 7.2 mm +/- 10%, preferably +/- 5%. The support element may have a length between 5 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 6 mm and 12 mm. In a preferred embodiment, the support element has a length of 8 mm. The aerosol cooling element may be located downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate element, for example immediately downstream of the support element, and may abut the support element.

The aerosol cooling element may be positioned between the support element and the filter element located at the pole downstream end of the aerosol-generating article.

As used herein, the term “aerosol cooling element” is used to describe an element with high surface area and low resistance to suction (eg 15 mmWG to 20 mmWG). In use, the aerosol formed by the volatile compound released from the aerosol-forming rod is drawn through the aerosol cooling element and then delivered to the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article.

The aerosol cooling element preferably has a porosity of greater than 50% in the longitudinal direction. The airflow path through the aerosol cooling element is preferably relatively unconstrained. The aerosol cooling element may be a gathered sheet or a crimped gathered sheet. The aerosol cooling element is composed of polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose acetate (CA), and aluminum foil or a combination thereof. a sheet material selected from the group.

In a preferred embodiment, the aerosol cooling element comprises a gathered sheet of biodegradable material. For example, a gathered sheet of non-porous paper or a gathered sheet of a biodegradable polymer material, such as polylactic acid or Mater-Bi<®> grade (commercially available starch-based copolyesters).

The aerosol cooling element preferably comprises a PLA sheet, more preferably a crimped gathered PLA sheet. The aerosol cooling element may be formed of a sheet having a thickness of 10 μm to 250 μm, preferably 40 μm to 80 μm, such as 50 μm. The aerosol cooling element may be formed from a gathered sheet having a width of 150 mm to 250 mm. The aerosol cooling element may have a specific surface area of ^{300 to 1,000 mm 2} /mm (length), 10 to 100 mm ^{2 /mg (weight).} In some embodiments, the aerosol cooling element may be formed from a gathered sheet of material having a specific surface area of ^{about 35 mm 2 /mg (by weight).} The aerosol cooling element may have an outer diameter of 5 mm to 10 mm, such as 7 mm.

In some preferred embodiments, the length of the aerosol cooling element is between 10 mm and 15 mm. Preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is between 10 mm and 14 mm, for example 13 mm. In an alternative embodiment, the length of the aerosol cooling element is between 15 mm and 25 mm. Preferably, the length of the aerosol cooling element is between 16 mm and 20 mm, for example 18 mm.

The article may further comprise, for example, a wrapper surrounding at least some of the different elements described above to hold the different elements together and to maintain a desired cross-sectional shape of the article. Preferably, the wrapper forms at least a portion of the outer surface of the article. For example, the wrapper may be a paper wrapper, particularly a paper wrapper made of cigarette paper. Alternatively, the wrapper may be, for example, a foil made of plastic. The wrapper may be fluid permeable to allow the vaporized aerosol-forming substrate to be released from the article. The fluid permeable wrapper also allows air to be drawn through its perimeter into the article. Moreover, the wrapper may include at least one volatile material that will be activated and released from the wrapper upon heating. For example, the wrapper may be impregnated with a volatile flavoring material.

Preferably, the induction heating aerosol-forming article according to the invention has a circular or oval or oval cross-section. However, the article may have a square or rectangular or triangular or other polygonal cross section.

Further features and advantages of the aerosol-generating article according to the invention have been described in connection with the aerosol-forming rod and apply equally.

The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an induction heating aerosol-generating article according to the invention and as described herein. The system further comprises an induction heating aerosol-generating device for use with the article. The aerosol-generating device includes a receiving cavity for at least partially receiving an article. The aerosol-generating device is an induction source comprising at least one induction coil for generating an alternating electromagnetic field, in particular a high-frequency electromagnetic field, in the receiving cavity, for example for inductively heating the susceptor of the article when the article is received in the receiving cavity. further includes. The at least one induction coil may be a helical induction coil arranged coaxially around the cylindrical receiving cavity.

The apparatus may further include a power source and a controller for supplying power and controlling the heating process. As referred to herein, the alternating electromagnetic field, in particular the high frequency electromagnetic field, may be in the range of 500 kHz to 30 Mhz, in particular 5 Mhz to 15 Mhz, preferably 5 Mhz to 10 Mhz.

The aerosol-generating device may be, for example, the device described in WO 2015/177256 A1.

In use, the aerosol-generating article is engaged with the aerosol-generating device such that the susceptor assembly is positioned within the fluctuating electromagnetic field generated by the inductor.

Further features and advantages of the aerosol-generating system according to the invention have been described in connection with an aerosol-generating article, and in part in relation to a receiving cavity.

According to the present invention, there is provided a shaping device for use in the manufacture of an induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to the invention as described herein. The molding apparatus includes:

- A core forming device configured to form a continuous core strand by gathering a core material comprising at least one of a first aerosol-forming substrate and a first flavor material, wherein the continuous core strand, when passed through the core forming device, forms a portion of the cylindrical core. a core forming apparatus to have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape;

- A first longitudinal guide for arranging a first continuous susceptor profile relative to the continuous core strand such that the first continuous susceptor profile laterally abuts the continuous core strand on the first side when passing through the core forming apparatus , a first longitudinal guide extending into at least an upstream section downstream of the core forming apparatus;

- for arranging a second continuous susceptor profile relative to the continuous core strand such that the second continuous susceptor profile laterally abuts the continuous core strand in a second portion opposite the first side when passing through the core forming apparatus a second longitudinal guide, the second longitudinal guide extending into at least an upstream section downstream of the core forming apparatus; and

- arranged around at least a downstream section of the core-forming device to gather a sleeve material comprising at least one of a filler material, a second aerosol-forming substrate, and a second flavor material to form a continuous core strand, a second continuous susceptor profile, and a second A sleeve forming apparatus configured to form a continuous sleeve strand around two continuous susceptor profiles, wherein the continuous sleeve strand has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve portion when passing through the sleeve forming apparatus.

Advantageously, the shaping device allows the efficient assembly of the different components of the aerosol-forming rod into the desired geometry of the aerosol-forming rod to be manufactured. In particular, the forming device makes it possible to ensure the correct arrangement of each component in positional and geometrical conditions within respective tolerances.

In order to gather the core material into a continuous core strand, the core forming apparatus preferably comprises an internal funnel. In this regard, the core forming apparatus may comprise a substantially tubular body. The substantially tubular body may comprise at least one converging section, in particular at least one conical converging section. Preferably, the at least one converging section is at the upstream end of the core forming device. With respect to the longitudinal central axis of the forming device, the axial length of the at least one converging section may be at least 10%, in particular at least 20%, preferably at least 30% of the axial length of the core forming device. The shape of the inner cross-section, in particular the shape of the inner cross-section of the downstream section of the core-forming device, preferably corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical core part. Preferably, the gathering takes place transverse to the direction of movement of the core material through the core forming device. Depending on the radial position of the core part in the aerosol-forming rod, the central axis of the inner funnel may be coaxial with the longitudinal central axis of the forming device according to the invention.

The first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide advantageously facilitate achieving positions of the first and second susceptor profiles corresponding to their respective predefined positions in the final aerosol-forming rod. . Furthermore, the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide are also advantageous in terms of keeping the respective susceptor profiles dimensionally stable when passing through the forming device, in particular the core forming device. Even more preferably, the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide may be used to initially separate the first susceptor profile and the second susceptor profile from the core material at the upstream end of the core forming device.

At least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide may comprise a guide rail or guide support having a flat guide surface for guiding each successive susceptor profile. This can be particularly advantageous if each successive susceptor profile is strip-shaped. Alternatively, at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide may comprise a guide tube. Preferably, the guide tube has an inner cross-sectional profile substantially corresponding to an outer cross-sectional profile of each susceptor profile. This can be particularly advantageous with respect to proper guidance of each susceptor profile.

Preferably, the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide are realized at least partially, preferably completely, by a common guide tube extending into at least an upstream section downstream of the core forming device. In this regard, the common guide tube may include a first guide surface and a second guide surface, the first guide surface and the second guide surface being located on opposite sides of the common guide tube on an outer circumferential surface thereof. The first guide surface and the second guide surface are configured to guide the first susceptor profile and the second susceptor profile, respectively, at an outer circumferential surface of the common guide tube along a longitudinal axis thereof. In this configuration, the interior voids of the common guide tube may be configured to pass through and guide through the core material. This installation can be particularly advantageous with respect to the compact design of the forming apparatus. The common guide tube may also serve as part of the core forming apparatus for pre-gathering the core material. Preferably, the inner cross-sectional shape of the common tube corresponds to the shape of the core portion. Preferably, each of the first guide surface and the second guide surface on the outer circumference of the common guide tube is a flat guide surface, which may be advantageous in particular if each successive susceptor profile is strip-shaped. The outer cross-sectional shape of the common guide tube is preferably rectangular or square.

According to the invention, the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide extend downstream of the core forming apparatus into at least an upstream section. Advantageously, this makes it possible to further guide the first susceptor profile and the second susceptor profile in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement through a shaping device other than the longitudinal guide. As used herein, the term “upstream section of the core forming apparatus” refers to the first stage of the core forming apparatus in which the core material has at least partially gathered but has not yet achieved its final shape. In particular, when passing through the upstream section of the core forming apparatus, the core material is at least partially gathered in a loose arrangement. In this context, “loose” indicates that the core material, at that point, has not yet been gathered into its final, more condensed form. The at least partially gathered core material may be of any shape or shape, in particular the shape of a rod, but may have a lower density (or larger diameter) than in the final rod shape after passing entirely through the core forming apparatus.

In particular, at least one of the first and second longitudinal guides and the upstream section of the core forming device may define a guide tube through which the respective guide channel or susceptor profile may pass. As mentioned above, the guide channel or tube preferably has an inner cross-sectional profile substantially corresponding to the outer cross-sectional profile of the respective susceptor profile. This can be particularly advantageous with respect to proper guidance of each susceptor profile.

Preferably, at least one of the first susceptor profile and the second susceptor profile is not guided at the downstream end of the upstream section of the core forming device or further downstream of the upstream section. It may also be possible for the longitudinal guide to extend further downstream of the upstream section of the core forming apparatus.

Accordingly, at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide is along at least 25% of the length of the core forming device, in particular along at least 50%, preferably along at least 75%, more preferably at least 90% of the length of the core forming device. may be configured to guide each susceptor profile along or along 100%. To this end, at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide is along at least 25%, in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, more preferably along at least 25% of the length of the core-forming device. It may extend along at least 90% or along 100%. Preferably, the upstream end of at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide is located upstream of the upstream end of the core forming device. This ensures that the susceptor profile is precisely pre-positioned in its desired final position inside the aerosol-forming rod before entering the core-forming device, ie upstream of the core-forming device.

Likewise, the core forming apparatus may extend into at least an upstream section downstream of the sleeve forming apparatus. Advantageously, this ensures proper arrangement of the core material in a predefined position in the final aerosol-forming rod.

As used herein, the term “upstream section of the sleeve forming apparatus” refers to a first stage of the sleeve forming apparatus in which the sleeve material has been at least partially gathered but has not yet achieved its final shape. In particular, when passing through the upstream section of the sleeve forming apparatus, the sleeve material is at least partially gathered in a loose arrangement. In this context, “loose” indicates that the sleeve material, at that point, has not yet been assembled into its final, more condensed form. The at least partially gathered sleeve material may be of any shape or shape, in particular the shape of a rod, but may have a lower density (or larger diameter) than in the final rod shape after passing entirely through the sleeve forming apparatus.

As described above with respect to the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide, the core-forming device comprises along at least 25% of the length of the sleeve-forming device, in particular along at least 50%, preferably along at least 75%; More preferably, it may extend along at least 90% or along 100%. The upstream end of the core forming apparatus may be located at or upstream of the upstream end of the sleeve forming apparatus.

For adjusting the position of at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide in at least one direction relative to the core forming device, the forming apparatus may comprise a first translational stage. Preferably, the first translation stage is configured to adjust at least an axial direction of at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide relative to the core forming apparatus. As used herein, the term “axial direction” refers to the direction of movement of the susceptor profile, core material, and sleeve material through the forming apparatus, particularly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the forming apparatus. In particular, when at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide is configured to initially separate the respective susceptor profile from the core material in the upstream section of the core forming device, the respective longitudinal guide relative to the core forming device. The ability to adjust the axial position of the guide allows adjustment of the axial position at which each susceptor profile and core material are brought together. Additionally or alternatively, the first translation is also configured to adjust the position of at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide with respect to the core-forming device in at least one, in particular two, lateral directions perpendicular to the axial direction. can be The two lateral directions are preferably perpendicular to each other.

The first translation stage may be configured to simultaneously adjust both the position of the first longitudinal guide and the position of the second longitudinal guide relative to the core forming apparatus. In particular, the position of the first longitudinal guide and the position of the second longitudinal guide can be coupled to each other and therefore only adjustable together. Alternatively, the forming apparatus comprises two separate first translation stages, one for each of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide, for adjusting their respective positions individually relative to the core forming apparatus. can do.

For adjusting the position of the core forming apparatus relative to the sleeve forming apparatus, the forming apparatus may comprise a second translational stage. Preferably, the second translation stage is configured to adjust the position of the core forming device relative to the sleeve forming device in at least one direction, in particular in at least one lateral direction, preferably in at least two lateral directions. The two lateral directions are preferably perpendicular to each other. As used herein, the term “lateral” refers to a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the susceptor profile, core material, and sleeve material through the forming apparatus, particularly with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the forming apparatus. Additionally or alternatively, the second translation stage sets the axial position of the core forming device relative to the sleeve forming device, ie in a direction parallel to the direction of movement of the forming device, in particular in a direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis of the forming device. It may be configured to adjust to

The first translation stage and the second translation stage may be part of a translation stage system of the forming apparatus.

To collect the sleeve material into the continuous core strand and the continuous sleeve strand around the continuous susceptor, the sleeve forming apparatus may include an external funnel. The outer funnel may be arranged around a section downstream of the core forming apparatus at least in a downstream section of the core forming apparatus, ie in an upstream section of the core forming apparatus, as further defined above.

The forming device may further comprise one or more guide pins arranged on the inner surface of the sleeve forming apparatus, in particular on the inner surface of the outer funnel. Alternatively or additionally, the forming apparatus may comprise one or more guide pins arranged on the outer surface of the core forming apparatus, in particular on the outer surface of the inner funnel. These guide pins are configured to guide the sleeve material towards the downstream end of the sleeve forming apparatus. Advantageously, the guide pins prevent unwanted heating of the sleeve forming apparatus and the core forming apparatus during the sleeve forming process which may occur due to respective friction between the sleeve material and the inner surface of the sleeve forming apparatus and the outer surface of the core forming apparatus. can help reduce it.

Preferably, the at least one guide pin is helically twisted with respect to the direction of movement of the sleeve material through the forming device. In particular, the one or more guide pins may extend along the entire length dimension of each of the core forming device or the sleeve forming device, preferably helically. As seen in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the forming device, the one or more guide pins may have a triangular cross-section or a semi-oval or semi-oval cross-section. In the latter two configurations, the semi-major axis of the semi-egg-shaped or semi-elliptical cross-section is preferably arranged to be continuous perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the forming apparatus, in particular radially to the longitudinal central axis of the forming. The cross-section of the one or more guide pins may in particular vary in size. For example, the cross-section of the one or more guide pins may decrease along the direction of movement of the sleeve material through the forming device. Likewise, the height of the at least one guide pin, ie the extension of the at least one pin in a radial direction with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the forming device, may vary, in particular decrease along the direction of movement of the sleeve material through the forming device.

The one or more guide pins may be interrupted along the longitudinal extension, ie substantially along the direction of movement of the sleeve material through the forming device.

In particular, the two or more guide pins may be arranged circumferentially on the inner surface of the sleeve forming device. Likewise, two or more guide pins may be arranged circumferentially on the outer surface of the core forming device.

The one or more guide pins on the inner surface of the sleeve forming apparatus and the one or more guide pins on the outer surface of the core forming apparatus may be arranged at different circumferential positions. In particular, the circumferential position of the at least one guide pin on the inner face of the sleeve forming device and the at least one guide pin at the outer face of the core forming device is, for example, by 30 degrees or 60 degrees or 90 degrees or 120 degrees, the forming device can be moved by a predetermined rotational angle with respect to the longitudinal central axis of . In particular, the guide pin on the outer surface of the core forming device can be arranged between the circumferential positions of two neighboring pins on the inner face of the sleeve forming device, in particular at a central circumferential position.

Alternatively or in addition to the one or more guide pins, the sleeve forming apparatus may include at least one of one or more cooling ribs on an outer surface of the sleeve forming apparatus and one or more cooling openings on a wall surface of the sleeve forming apparatus. Advantageously, the one or more cooling ribs or one or more cooling openings may help to reduce unwanted heating of the sleeve forming apparatus during the sleeve forming process that may occur due to friction between the sleeve material and the inner surface of the sleeve forming apparatus. have.

The shaping device may be part of an overall production device for producing an aerosol-forming rod, in particular an aerosol-forming rod according to the invention.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides a manufacturing device for manufacturing an aerosol-forming rod, in particular an aerosol-forming rod according to the invention, wherein the manufacturing device comprises a molding device according to the invention and as described herein .

Downstream of the forming device, the manufacturing device further comprises a rod forming device for finishing, in particular for forming the continuous first core strand, the second core strand, the susceptor profile, and the entity of the continuous sleeve strand into a continuous aerosol-forming rod strand. can do. The rod forming apparatus may include a garnish tape in the form of a continuous conveyor belt. The garnish tape preferably interacts with the at least one semi-funnel to form the final rod shape, and preferably provides a wrapper around the entities of the continuous core strand, susceptor profile, and continuous sleeve strand. Preferably, the garnish tape is arranged below the central axis of the rod forming device, while the at least one semi-funnel is arranged above the garnish tape along the central axis.

The garnish tape may support the wrapper. The wrapper may be supplied to the upstream end of the rod forming apparatus by a wrapper feeder. The wrapper supply may include, for example, a wrapper bobbin. Preferably, the wrapper is supported on the surface of the garnish tape facing the central axis. Thus, in operation, the wrapper automatically wraps around the continuous sleeve strand. The wrapper supply may also add adhesive to at least a portion of the wrapper to hold the wrapper around the sleeve portion.

At its downstream end, the rod-forming device provides a continuous aerosol-forming rod strand, preferably having a final rod shape completely surrounded by a wrapper.

Downstream of the rod-forming device, the manufacturing device may further comprise a cutting device for cutting the continuous aerosol-forming rod strand into individual induction heated aerosol-forming rods according to the present invention and as described herein.

The manufacturing apparatus may include a first susceptor supply and a second susceptor supply configured to respectively supply the first susceptor profile and the second susceptor profile to the guide device. The susceptor supply unit may include a first unwinding unit and a second unwinding unit for unwinding, respectively, the first susceptor profile and the second susceptor profile provided on the bobbin.

The manufacturing apparatus may further include a sleeve material supply configured to supply the sleeve material to the sleeve forming apparatus. The sleeve material supply may include an unwinding unit for unwinding the sleeve material provided on the bobbin.

The manufacturing apparatus may further include a core material supply configured to supply the core material to the core forming apparatus. The core material supply unit may include an unwinding unit for unwinding the core material provided on the bobbin.

Downstream of at least one of the sleeve material supply unit, the susceptor supply unit, and the core material supply unit, the manufacturing apparatus includes one or more processing units for pretreating the sleeve material, the first susceptor profile, the second susceptor profile, and the core material, respectively. may additionally include. The one or more processing units may each be configured for physical processing of the sleeve material, the first susceptor profile, the second susceptor profile, and the core material. For example, the processing unit may be configured to compress a sleeve or core material, in particular, the sleeve or core material comprises a cast leaf material or acetate tow. Alternatively or additionally, the physical treatment of the sleeve or core material may include one or more of ionization treatment, corona treatment, preheating of the sleeve or core material.

The processing unit for each of the first susceptor profile or the second susceptor profile may be configured to create a plurality of perforations in each susceptor profile, wherein the perforated susceptor profile is stretched along at least a first direction to , eg, to create a respective expanded susceptor profile comprising a plurality of apertures resulting from a plurality of perforations.

The manufacturing apparatus may further include a tensioning unit for adjusting the tension of the sleeve material and the core material, respectively.

The manufacturing apparatus may further comprise a dispensing unit for applying at least one of a fluid, granules, particles and powder to each of the sleeve material and the core material.

The manufacturing apparatus may further include respective buffer units for respectively buffering the sleeve material and the core material.

In particular, the manufacturing apparatus may include at least one of a processing unit, a tensioning unit, a dispensing unit, and a buffer for each one of a sleeve material and a core material.

Further features and advantages of the device according to the invention have been described and apply equally with respect to aerosol-forming rods and aerosol-generating articles.

The invention will be further described for purposes of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
1 is a schematic diagram of an induction heating aerosol-generating article comprising an induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a cross-sectional view of the article according to FIG. 1 ;
3 schematically shows the manufacture of an induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to the invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a forming device for use in the manufacture of an induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to FIG. 3 ;
FIG. 5 is a detail of an embodiment of a first susceptor and a second susceptor of the aerosol-forming rod according to FIG. 1 ;

1 and 2 schematically show an exemplary embodiment of an induction heating aerosol-generating article according to the present invention. The article 1 has substantially the shape of a rod, and includes four elements arranged in coaxial alignment along the longitudinal axis 7 of the article 1 , an aerosol-forming rod 10 according to the invention, a support element 60 . , an aerosol cooling element 70 , and a filter element 80 . The aerosol-forming rod 10 is arranged at the distal end 2 of the article 1 , while the filter element 80 is arranged at the distal end 3 of the article 1 . Optionally, the article 1 may further comprise a distal front element 60 that may be used to cover and protect the distal front end of the aerosol-forming rod 10 . Each of the aforementioned elements is substantially cylindrical, all of which have substantially the same diameter. The elements are also surrounded by an outer wrapper 90 , for example, to hold the elements together and to maintain the desired circular cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped article 1 . Preferably, the wrapper 90 is made of paper.

The rod-shaped aerosol-generating article 1 may have a length of 30 mm to 110 mm, preferably 40 mm to 60 mm. Likewise, the article 1 may have a diameter between 3 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 5.5 mm and 8 mm.

The support element 60 may comprise a carbon-based or cellulosic tube 62 having a central air passage 61 allowing mixing and homogenization of any aerosol generated within the aerosol-forming rod 10 . Alternatively, the support element 60 may be used to separately hold individual different aerosols generated at different locations within the aerosol-forming rod until reaching the aerosol cooling element 70 .

The aerosol cooling element 70 serves mainly to reduce the aerosol temperature towards the proximal end 3 of the article 1 . The aerosol-forming element may comprise, for example, a biodegradable polymeric material, a cellulosic material with low porosity, or a combination of these and other materials.

Filter element 80 may comprise standard filter material, such as low density acetate tow.

The filter element 80 alone, or both the aerosol cooling element 70 and the filter element 80 can serve as a mouthpiece through which the aerosol exits the aerosol-generating article 1 .

1 and 2 , the aerosol-forming rod segment 10 has a cylindrical shape with a constant cross-section, for example a circular cross-section. As part of the article 1 , the aerosol-forming rod 10 may have a length between 5 mm and 20 mm, preferably between 7 mm and 13 mm. The granules of the aerosol-forming rod 10 may range from 3 mm to 10 mm, preferably from 5.5 mm to 8 mm.

1 and 2 , the aerosol-forming rod has a cylindrical core portion 30 comprising at least one of at least four components, a first aerosol-forming substrate and a first flavor material, the rod 10 on opposite sides. ) a first elongate susceptor 40 and a second elongate susceptor 50 laterally abutting the cylindrical core portion 30 along the longitudinal axis 7 of the core portion 30, the second a first susceptor (40) and a sleeve portion (20) arranged around the second susceptor (50) and comprising at least one of a filler material, a second aerosol-forming substrate material (21) and a second flavor material; .

In this embodiment, the core portion 30 comprises a liquid holding material 31 impregnated with a liquid (first) flavor material. In contrast, the sleeve portion 20 comprises a filler comprising chopped tobacco material, wherein the chopped tobacco material at least partially forms the second aerosol-forming substrate 21 . In addition, the filler may be impregnated with a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The susceptor 40 is an elongate strip made of ferromagnetic stainless steel. This material can be advantageous because it provides heat due to both eddy currents and hysteresis losses. Optionally, the susceptor 40 may include a nickel coating, wherein the nickel serves primarily as a temperature marker, as described above. The susceptor 40 may also include a protective coating to prevent unwanted aging of the susceptor 40 , for example, due to corrosion of the aerosol-forming substrate and flavor material in a humid environment.

1 and 2 , the first susceptor 40 and the second susceptor 50 according to this embodiment are each 3.5 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, respectively. It is strip-shaped with a width dimension in the range of , and a thickness dimension in the range of 0.05 mm to 0.4 mm, preferably 0.15 mm to 0.35 mm. In particular, one or both susceptors 40 , 50 may be made of an expanded metal sheet comprising a plurality of openings 41 , 51 through the sheet. An embodiment of such a susceptor 40 , 50 is shown in FIG. 5 .

The core part 30 is also a strip having a width dimension in the range of 3.5 mm to 8 mm, preferably 4 mm to 6 mm, and a thickness dimension in the range 0.5 mm to 7 mm, preferably 2 mm to 5 mm. shape. As can further be seen in FIGS. 1 and 12 , each large face of each susceptor 40 , 50 laterally abuts a respective large face of the core portion 11 . Accordingly, the first susceptor 40 and the second susceptor 50 are in direct physical contact with the core part 30 . Advantageously, this arrangement allows for very efficient heating of the core part 30 . In particular, the heating profiles of both susceptors 40 , 50 accumulate due to overlap within the common heating zone between susceptors 40 , 50 . In the common heating zone, the temperature is higher than each non-overlapping portion of the heating profile of the first susceptor 40 and the second susceptor 50 . Each non-overlapping portion of the heating profile of the first susceptor 40 and the second susceptor 50 is adapted to heat the cut tobacco material (and optionally the liquid aerosol-forming substrate), particularly in the sleeve portion 20 . to form a first heating zone and a second heating zone for Advantageously, different heating zones can be advantageously used to design a wide variety of different aerosols by providing different aerosols or flavoring agents in different amounts than different portions 30 , 20 of aerosol-forming rod 10 .

Each contact between the core portion 30 and the first susceptor 40 and the second susceptor 50 has a non-bonded nature, respectively, that is, the susceptors 40 , 50 and the core portion 30 . ) are not fixedly attached to each other. Nevertheless, each contact between the core portion 30 and the first susceptor 40 and the second susceptor 50 is, respectively, for example, wet or wet of the liquid retention material impregnated with the liquid flavor material. Due to their nature, they may contain some kind of non-permanent adhesion.

The sleeve portion 20 includes a core portion 30, a first susceptor 40, and a second susceptor such that the cut tobacco material of the sleeve portion 20 completely fills the entire remaining volume of the cylindrical rod 10. arranged around the scepter 50 . In particular, the cut tobacco material is in physical contact with the susceptors 40 and 50 in the shape of a strip, and basically of each of the susceptors 40 and 50 opposite to each large surface abutting the core part 30 . Each large surface is in contact. Thus, the cut tobacco material can be heated simultaneously with the flavor material in the core portion 30 . Due to this, the aerosol-forming rod 10 allows for simultaneous production of the aerosol and flavor additive. Advantageously, this enhances the diversity of aerosols that can be generated.

An induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to the present invention may be manufactured using a method and manufacturing apparatus 1000 as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 .

The manufacturing apparatus 1000 includes a sleeve material supply 200 configured to supply a sleeve material 201 to the sleeve forming apparatus 130 of the forming apparatus 100 . The sleeve material supply 200 includes an unwinding unit 210 for unwinding the sleeve material 201 provided on the bobbin 211 . Downstream of the unwinding unit 210 , the manufacturing apparatus 1000 includes a buffer 220 for buffering the sleeve material 201 , a processing unit 230 for pretreating the sleeve material 201 , and It further includes a tensioning unit 600 for adjusting the tension, and a dispensing unit 700 . In this embodiment, the processing unit 230 may be configured for physical processing of the sleeve material 201 , for example to compress the sleeve material 201 . Squeezing the sleeve material 201 may facilitate the formation of the sleeve portion in the forming apparatus 100 . The dispensing unit 700 may be used to apply at least one of a fluid, granules, particles, and powder to a sleeve material, eg, a fluid flavor material.

With respect to the core portion of the aerosol-forming rod, the manufacturing device 1000 also comprises a core material supply 300 configured to supply the core material 301 to the core-forming device 130 of the shaping device 100 . The core material supply unit 300 includes an unwinding unit 310 for unwinding the core material 301 provided on the bobbin 311 .

Similarly, the manufacturing apparatus 1000 includes a first susceptor supply unit 400 and a second susceptor supply unit 500 , wherein the second susceptor supply unit 500 includes a continuous susceptor profile 401 and a second continuous supply unit 500 . Each of the susceptor profiles 501 are configured to supply the molding apparatus 100 . The first susceptor supply unit 400 includes a first unwinding unit 410 for unwinding the first susceptor profile 401 provided on the bobbin 411 . Similarly, the second susceptor supply unit 500 includes a second unwinding unit 510 for unwinding the second susceptor profile 501 provided on the bobbin 411 . Downstream of the unwinding units 410 and 510 , the manufacturing apparatus 1000 includes a first processing unit 430 and a second processing unit for pre-processing the first susceptor profile 401 and the second susceptor profile 501 , respectively. A unit 530 is further included. In the present embodiment, the first processing unit 430 and the second processing unit 530 are configured to create a plurality of perforations in each susceptor profile 401 , 501 , each of which is perforated along at least a first direction. and stretching the susceptor profiles 401 , 501 to create an expanded susceptor profile comprising, for example, a plurality of openings 441 , 551 in a direction of movement through the manufacturing apparatus 1000 . An embodiment of such an expanded susceptor profile 401 , 501 is shown in FIG. 5 .

A core portion, a first susceptor, a second susceptor, and arranged around the core portion, the first susceptor, and the second susceptor to obtain an aerosol-forming rod 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 . The sleeve material 201 , the core material 301 , as well as the first susceptor profile 401 and the second susceptor profile 501 must be combined and shaped to create a finished sleeve. To this end, a manufacturing device 1000 is arranged downstream of the aforementioned unit and, as shown in FIG. 3 , a sleeve material 201 , a core material 301 as well as a first susceptor profile 401 and a second susceptor profile 401 . It comprises a shaping device 100 to which the scepter profile 501 is simultaneously fed.

4 shows details of the forming apparatus 100 , the lower part of FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-section through the apparatus 100 , the upper part of FIG. 4 being three different longitudinal positions as indicated in the lower part of FIG. 4 . includes three transverse cross-sections through the device 100 . According to the present invention, the forming apparatus 100 comprises a sleeve forming apparatus 120 , a core forming apparatus 130 , and a first length for assembling the first susceptor profile 401 and the second susceptor profile 501 , respectively. and a common longitudinal guide 140 realizing a direction guide and a second longitudinal guide (all-in-one).

In this embodiment, the core-forming device 130 is inserted into the continuous core strand such that, for example, when passing through the core-forming device 301 , the continuous core strand has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical core portion of the aerosol-forming rod to be manufactured. and an inner funnel 131 configured to gather the core material 301 to form a continuous core strand. With respect to the radial position of the core portion in the aerosol-forming rod, the central axis of the inner funnel is coaxial to the longitudinal central axis 107 of the shaping device 100 .

The common longitudinal guide 140 , for example, laterally abuts the continuous core strand in a non-bonding manner when passing through the inner funnel 131 , with respect to the continuous core strand a first continuous susceptor profile 401 and a second configured to arrange two consecutive susceptor profiles 501 . In this embodiment, a common longitudinal guide 140 is a guide tube 141 arranged coaxially to the longitudinal central axis 107 of the forming apparatus 100 and extending into an upstream section downstream of the core forming apparatus 130 . includes In the upstream section of the core forming apparatus 130 , the first core material and the second core material are already gathered in advance. The upstream section of the core forming apparatus 130 has a length 109 that is about 30% of the total length 108 of the core forming apparatus 130 .

As can be seen from the upper part of FIG. 4 , the guide tube 141 has a rectangular cross section, and the upper and lower outer surfaces of the guide tube 141 have a first guide surface 142 and a second guide surface 144 . provides The respective guide surfaces 142 and 144, together with the side wall, the upper wall and the lower wall of the inner funnel 131, are guide channels through which the first susceptor profile 401 and the second susceptor profile 501 are supplied, respectively. Forming 143 , 145 is initially separated from the core material 301 , for example in an upstream section of the core forming apparatus 130 .

In this configuration, the inner voids of the common guide tube 141 are configured to pass through and guide through the core material. This installation can be particularly advantageous for the compact design of the forming apparatus 100 . In this regard, the guide tube 141 serves as part of the core forming apparatus for pre-gathering the core material.

At the downstream end of the longitudinal guide 140 , a first susceptor profile 401 and a second susceptor profile 501 are released from the guide so that the susceptor profiles 401 , 501 are theirs in the final aerosol-forming rod. Gather together with the pre-assembled core material at a location corresponding to a predefined location.

The forming apparatus 100 includes a sleeve forming apparatus 120 for collecting the sleeve material into the continuous first core strand, the second core strand and the continuous sleeve strand around the susceptor. Like the core forming apparatus 130 , the sleeve forming apparatus 120 also includes a funnel which is an outer funnel 121 arranged around at least a downstream section of the core forming apparatus 130 . In this embodiment, the outer funnel 121 extends even along the entire length of the core forming device 130 such that the inner funnel 131 is completely received within the outer funnel 121 . The downstream end of the core forming device 130 opens into a downstream section of the sleeve forming device, where the sleeve material is already pre-assembled. Thus, at the downstream end of the core forming device 130, the continuous core strand and the susceptor profile laterally abutting the continuous core strand are discharged into the pre-assembled sleeve material. This may be advantageous with regard to the positional stability of the core portion and the susceptor in its desired position in the final aerosol-forming rod.

As further shown in FIG. 4 , the forming apparatus 100 further comprises two guide pins 180 arranged on the inner surface of the outer funnel 121 of the sleeve forming apparatus 120 . These guide pins 180 are configured to guide the sleeve material towards the downstream end of the sleeve forming apparatus 120 . Advantageously, the guide pins 180 help reduce unwanted heating of the sleeve forming apparatus and the core forming apparatus during the sleeve forming process that may occur due to friction between the sleeve material and different parts of the forming apparatus 100 . can give

To adjust the position of the first susceptor and the second susceptor within the core portion, the aerosol-forming rod, the shaping device is a first translationally operatively coupled to the common longitudinal guide 140 and the core-forming device 130 respectively. It includes a stage 171 and a second translation stage 172 . In the present invention, the first translational stage 171 is configured to adjust the axial position of the common longitudinal guide 140 relative to the core forming apparatus 130 along the longitudinal central axis 107 of the forming apparatus 100 . do. This makes it possible to adjust the axial position where the first susceptor profile 401 and the second susceptor profile 501 converge together with the pre-assembled core material. The second translation stage 172 aligns the position of the core forming apparatus 130 with respect to the sleeve forming apparatus 120 in three directions: a first direction parallel to the longitudinal central axis 107 of the forming apparatus 100; configured to adjust along a second direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 107 , and a second direction and a third direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis 107 . Thereby, the location where the continuous core strand and the susceptor converge with the pre-assembled sleeve material can be controlled in three dimensions.

At the downstream end of the sleeve forming apparatus 120 , the entities of the continuous sleeve strand core strand, the first susceptor profile, the second susceptor profile, and the continuous core strand leave the forming apparatus 100 . In the entity, the continuous sleeve strand has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve portion, the continuous core strand has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the core portion, and the first susceptor and the second susceptor have opposite faces abuts laterally with the continuous core strand at

Referring back to FIG. 3 , the manufacturing device 1000 is configured to form an entity of a continuous core strand, a first susceptor profile, a second susceptor profile, and a continuous sleeve strand into a continuous aerosol-forming rod strand. ) further comprising a rod forming device 800 downstream of the . As discussed above but not shown in FIG. 3 , rod forming apparatus 800 may include a garnish tape that interacts with at least one semi-funnel to form a final rod shape. The garnish tape may further support a wrapper supplied by a wrapper feeder (not shown) into the upstream end of the rod forming apparatus 800 . In operation, as the substrate web gradually gathers around the sleeve portion, the wrapper automatically wraps around the substrate web such that a continuous strand of aerosol-forming rod leaves downstream of the rod-forming device 800 while being entirely surrounded by the wrapper. do.

Downstream of the rod-forming device, the manufacturing device 1000 may further comprise a cutting device 900 for cutting the continuous aerosol-forming rod strand into individual induction heated aerosol-forming rods in accordance with the present invention.

Claims (15)

An induction heating aerosol-forming rod for use in an aerosol-generating article, comprising:
- at least one cylindrical core part comprising at least one of a first aerosol-forming substrate and a first flavor substance;
- a first elongate susceptor laterally abutting the cylindrical core portion along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod on the first side;
- a second laterally abutting the cylindrical core portion along the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod on a second side opposite the first side such that the cylindrical core portion is sandwiched between the first elongated susceptor and the second elongated susceptor elongated susceptor; and
- an aerosol-forming rod comprising a core portion, a sleeve portion arranged around the first susceptor and the second susceptor, the sleeve comprising at least one of a filler material, a second aerosol-forming substrate and a second flavor material . The method of claim 1, wherein the core comprises:
- a porous substrate or foam of the tobacco fiber series, wherein the tobacco fibers at least partially form a first aerosol-forming substrate;
- a porous substrate or foam based on vegetable fibers, wherein the vegetable fibers at least partially form a first aerosol-forming substrate;
- a filler comprising chopped tobacco material, wherein the chopped tobacco material at least partially forms a first aerosol-forming substrate;
- a filler comprising chopped vegetable material, wherein the chopped vegetable material at least partially forms a first aerosol-forming substrate;
- a liquid holding material comprising an aerosol-forming liquid, which at least partially forms a first aerosol-forming substrate;
- a liquid holding material comprising at least one flavor substance, wherein the flavor substance at least partially forms a first flavor material;
- cellulosic fibers or cellulosic fibers comprising a flavoring material, wherein the flavoring material at least partially forms a first flavoring material;
An aerosol-forming rod comprising at least one of: 3. The sleeve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sleeve comprises:
- a porous substrate or foam of the tobacco fiber series, wherein the tobacco fibers at least partially form a second aerosol-forming substrate;
- a porous substrate or foam based on vegetable fibers, wherein the vegetable fibers at least partially form a second aerosol-forming substrate;
- a filler comprising chopped tobacco material, wherein the chopped tobacco material at least partially forms a second aerosol-forming substrate;
- a filler comprising chopped vegetable material, wherein the chopped vegetable material at least partially forms a second aerosol-forming substrate;
- a liquid retention material comprising an aerosol-forming liquid, wherein the aerosol-forming liquid at least partially forms a second aerosol-forming substrate;
- a liquid holding material comprising at least one flavor substance, wherein the flavor substance at least partially forms a second flavor material;
- cellulosic fibers or cellulosic fibers;
- cellulosic fibers or cellulosic fibers comprising a flavor material, wherein the flavor material at least partially forms a second flavor material;
- Acetate tow swelling fibers;
- vegetable swelling fiber; or
- Paper;
An aerosol-forming rod comprising at least one of: 4. The aerosol-forming rod according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second aerosol-forming substrate is different from the first aerosol-forming substrate. 5. The sheet of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor comprises an expanded metal sheet comprising a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings passing through the sheet. which, an aerosol-forming rod. 6 . The aerosol-forming rod according to claim 1 , wherein the cylindrical core part has a rectangular cross-section or a rectangular cross-section or a semi-oval cross-section or a semi-circular cross-section. The aerosol-forming rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cylindrical core portion is arranged symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the aerosol-forming rod. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the first susceptor and the second susceptor is strip-shaped, and the width of the strip-shaped first susceptor and the strip-shaped second susceptor is extended. the portions are each constant or vary along a central longitudinal axis of the aerosol-forming rod. 9. An aerosol-generating article comprising an induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to any one of claims 1 to 8. 9 . A molding device for use in the manufacture of an induction heating aerosol-forming rod according to claim 1 , comprising:
- gathering a core material comprising at least one of the first aerosol-forming substrate and the first flavor material to form a continuous core strand such that, when passing through the core forming device, the continuous core strand corresponds to the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical core portion a core forming apparatus configured to have a cross-sectional shape;
- a first longitudinal guide for arranging a first continuous susceptor profile relative to a continuous core strand such that the first continuous susceptor profile laterally abuts the continuous core strand on a first side when passing through a core forming device, a first longitudinal guide extending into at least an upstream section downstream of the core forming apparatus;
- a second continuous susceptor profile for arranging the second continuous susceptor profile relative to the continuous core strand such that the second continuous susceptor profile laterally abuts the continuous core strand on a second side opposite the first side when passing through the core forming device two longitudinal guides, a second longitudinal guide extending into at least an upstream section downstream of the core forming apparatus; and
- arranged around at least a downstream section of the core forming device to gather a sleeve material comprising at least one of a filler material, a second aerosol-forming substrate and a second flavor material to form a continuous core strand, a first continuous susceptor profile, and a second a sleeve forming apparatus configured to form a continuous sleeve strand around the two continuous susceptor profiles so that the continuous sleeve strand has a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the cross-sectional shape of the sleeve portion when passing through the sleeve forming apparatus. The forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the sleeve forming apparatus is arranged around at least a downstream section of the core forming apparatus. 12. The molding apparatus according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the core forming apparatus comprises an inner funnel and the sleeve forming apparatus comprises an outer funnel. The molding according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide are realized at least in part by a common guide tube extending into at least an upstream section downstream of the core forming apparatus. Device. 14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13,
- a first translation stage for adjusting the position of at least one of the first longitudinal guide and the second longitudinal guide in at least one direction relative to the core forming device; and
- a second translational stage for adjusting the position of the core forming device in at least one direction relative to the sleeve forming device;
A molding apparatus further comprising at least one of: 15. The forming apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 14, further comprising one or more guide fins arranged on at least one of an inner surface of the sleeve forming apparatus and an outer surface of the core forming apparatus.

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